Jaipur, June 12
Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi is yet again facing trouble in Rajasthan. A godown allegedly being run by his family has been sealed after state minister Kirodi Lal Meena raided pesticide factories and godowns in Jaipur and nearby areas late.
Kirodi alleged that Indophil — a company with a turnover of thousands of crores — is connected to businessman Lalit Modi.
He revealed that the company has Ruchir Modi, Charu Modi, and Parul Modi listed as its directors.
“It’s not wrong to be a director, but the products stored in the company’s warehouse are objectionable. Such goods can destroy the livelihoods of farmers,†he said.
Highlighting a series of scams involving fake fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, Meena added, “This kind of malpractice will ruin farmers. Our agriculture department is actively cracking down on counterfeit products, and we are taking strict action against negligent inspectors.â€
Through a series of posts on X, Meena stated that during inspections of half a dozen pesticide companies in Jaipur’s Chomu area, multiple irregularities were found.
These included Indophil Industry Ltd., two companies of Udit Overseas Ltd., Shriram Krishi Chemicals Ltd., and Shriram Agriculture Industry, among others.
Counterfeit and substandard pesticides were found packaged under the names of reputed brands, leading to an immediate ban on their manufacture and sale.
Kirodi further informed that unauthorised warehouses storing pesticides in violation of safety norms were also uncovered.
He said the Government of India has directed to take strict legal action under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and all responsible officials have been instructed to act promptly. “Let farmers not be ruined.â€
Kirodi urged that the government must protect the farming community from fake agricultural inputs that threaten their crop yields and financial stability.
In 2013, Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, was given a life ban from all BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) affairs.
The ban stemmed from accusations of misconduct and indiscipline, particularly concerning irregularities in the bidding process for IPL franchises and selling broadcasting rights without authorisation.
Shortly after IPL 2010 ended, Modi was suspended from BCCI after being accused of misconduct, indiscipline and financial irregularities. BCCI launched an investigation against him, and banned him for life in 2013 after a committee found him guilty of these charges.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is really shameful! Farmers are already struggling with so many challenges, and now fake pesticides? 😡 Lalit Modi seems to have a habit of landing in controversies. The government must take strict action - our annadatas don't deserve this betrayal.
As someone from a farming family in Rajasthan, this hits close to home. Fake pesticides can destroy entire crops and push farmers into debt. Good that Kirodi Lal Meena is taking action, but why does it take raids to uncover such scams? Regular inspections should be mandatory!
First IPL scams, now this? When will influential people learn that rules apply to them too? The Insecticides Act should be amended to include harsher punishments for such frauds. Our farmers work too hard to be cheated like this.
While the action against fake pesticides is commendable, I hope this isn't just political drama before elections. Farmers need consistent protection, not just raids for media attention. The agriculture department should strengthen its monitoring systems permanently.
This is why we need more awareness among farmers about authentic products. Many small farmers can't distinguish between real and fake pesticides. Maybe the government can start verification SMS services like they do for medicines? #SaveOurFarmers
The Modi family seems to have a pattern - whether it's cricket or agriculture, they find ways to bend rules. But let's not forget the inspectors who allowed this to happen. They should face equal punishment for negligence. Corruption at all levels needs to stop!
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